Why join us: Membership benefits of AfLIA

All over the globe, Libraries and the role in they play in the modern society have come under critical scrutiny as major stakeholders such as some governments, organizations and individuals outside the library and information space are increasingly questioning their significance in the digital and information age. The disposition of these major stakeholders have consequently resulted in a seeming neglect of the library sector birthing many challenges.

On the other hand, it may appear that a fast evolving world and pervasive nature of these challenges have caused many librarians and information workers to throw in the towel and are stuck with the traditional modus operandi rather than evolving to provide innovative services relevant for 21^st century patron and effectively communicating the value of their services to those who fund and use them. Taking on these challenges is a herculean task for an entity to succeed.

This is where the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) plays the part. AfLIA is the continental body of library and information associations and institutions that actively pursues the interests of library and information associations, library and information services as well as librarians and information workers and provide a platform to discuss issues and further the cause of the library and information sector in Africa.

AfLIA Membership and Membership Benefits

AfLIA is an institutional and individual membership based organization. Our membership cuts across all the regions in Africa and comprises of institutions and individuals from the library and allied organizations;

• National Libraries,
• Academic, Public and Community, School, Parliamentary and Special Libraries,
• Library and Information Training Institutions (LIS schools), Library and Information-related Businesses
• National and Regional Library Associations and Consortia etc.
• Institutions/ Organisations related to libraries and information services.

Here are 6 major reasons why your library or information association or institution must be part of us.

1. Your interests are represented in AfLIA’s high-level advocacy for Libraries in Africa: AfLIA strategically embarks on high-level advocacy with Libraries and National Library Associations, Governments and Government Agencies responsible for Libraries, African Regional and Economic Bodies, Global Partners and related organisations to influence policies which promote the development of the African library and information sector. AfLIA represents African LIS bodies in official working groups and conferences and as a member, you can make your interests and voice heard through us at the highest level. One of such high-level advocacy efforts is the annual Ministerial Roundtable Meeting which brings under one roof, Ministers in charge of Libraries and National Library Directors in Africa to deliberate on favourable policies for the library sector in their respective countries.

2. Access to free leadership training at all levels: We are constantly working to create learning opportunities and provide capacity building for African librarians and information workers with the aim of transforming libraries into engines of development so as to stay relevant in the digital age through innovative library and information services for users. These opportunities become readily available to staff of membership institutions as priority is given to members. Among such leadership training programs are:
   • AfLIA Leadership Academy (AfLAc), a leadership enhancement programme for African library leaders at middle management level.
   • International Network of Emerging Library Innovators- Sub-Saharan Africa (INELI-SSAf), a leadership programme for upcoming librarians and information workers

3. Subsidized registration fees at our Conferences: AfLIA’s flagship conference, the African Library Summit and AfLIA Conference, is the biggest and most anticipated library conference in Africa. The conference attracts hundreds of library professionals in Africa and beyond and creates a priceless platform for learning, ideation, ideas sharing and networking. To us, access of our member institutions to our conferences is of premium interest hence, conference registration fees for member institutions are significantly subsidized.

4. Access to other Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Networking Opportunities: Aside the conferences, AfLIA, in collaboration with a rich pool of strategic partners (Africa Union, OER Africa, Wikipedia, SPARC, American Library Association,  Worldreader etc.) provides other learning and networking opportunities through:
   • Workshops: Workshops are periodically organized to afford librarians the opportunity to learn new things which can impact a positive change in their professional practice. They are usually organized as pre-conferences thus, enhancing higher patronage and accessibility by members.
   • Free Webinars: AfLIA is progressively committed to building the capacity of professionals within the African library and information sector. As such we complement the face-to-face interactions and training with remote capacity building schemes through webinars. AfLIA Webinars bring seasoned resource persons to train African librarians via the internet, on topics relevant for the modern day librarian regardless of which library type you belong to. Even though registration for these webinars are usually open to all library professionals, priority is given to registrants from our member institutions.

5. Access to latest updates on AfLIA and events affecting the LIS profession in Africa: AfLIA publishes and disseminates an insider-newsletter every month – AfLIA Newsletter. The publication usually covers issues relating to latest activities of AfLIA and invitations to AfLIA trainings, upcoming and ongoing library events which may be of interest to member institutions as well as learning, funding and partnership opportunities available to the LIS profession. In between our monthly newsletters, News Alerts, are published and disseminated to make announcements or remind members of imminent events. Again, news, events and trainings being organized by our members are published and promoted to reach a wider audience on our website, Newsletters and social media handles. All this information and privileges are exclusive to members.

6. The opportunity to contribute to make your voice count and heard through the AfLIA Council: AfLIA membership gives an exclusive opportunity for one to take part in decision making, in committees and working groups and other roles etc. that help to achieve the mission and overall objectives of AfLIA. Member institutions have an exclusive right to attend Annual General Meetings, stand election for various positions in the association, become part of AfLIA Council and also to vote on related issues which shape the future of AfLIA.     

How to become a member

We use this opportunity to extend a special invitation to you and your institution to renew membership or become a member of this august network of library associations and institutions across Africa. To register for membership, please fill out and submit the Membership Form (Institution) / Membership Form (Individual) or write to the AfLIA Membership Officer: membership@aflia.net